An industrial size tent comes in handy for so many outdoor events and needs. In fact, they can be used for everything from weddings to construction sites – and the many needs in between. Industrial size tent rentals are strong, sturdy, and beneficial. All this combined can skew your perception of your tent.
Yes, tents can be used for many purposes and much more you may never even think of. However, that does not mean they are indestructible. If used irresponsibly, these tents can be damaged and, in turn, create emergency-type safety situations for everyone encompassed by the tent’s fabric.
Before you put your rented industrial sized tent to work for you, make sure you know what to avoid and steps you can take to remain safe.
Grills
You may be tempted to slide your grill under the tent and get your cooking on. After all, the roof of the tent is so high, it couldn’t hurt, right? Wrong.
Grills pose a serious fire hazard. It only takes one drop of grease or fat from a piece of meat to spark a high flame on the grill. This may only be one large flame and it may only happen once, but that could very easily be one time too many.
In addition, cooking on a charcoal grill can lead to inhalation dangers. It is never good to breathe in burning charcoal and since a tent isn’t as ventilated as an outdoor area is, you don’t want to use a charcoal grill in these enclosed quarters.
Pyrotechnic displays
Live shows love to grasp attention from guests – especially when trying to keep the big-eyed oohs and ahhs coming. There are various lighting techniques and video screen backdrops that can get this done. But nothing excites fans more than a pyrotechnic display set to the beat of the music.
Unfortunately, as you have probably already guessed, pyrotechnic shows and tents just do not mix. They are an extreme fire risk and put everyone in danger.
Generators
Generators come in handy when using a tent – especially if you have erected your tent at a location that is not near an easy power source. These can be used to power up lights, cooking devices, and any other electronic equipment when used properly.
One wrong decision with the placement of your generator and you could have grave consequences.
Just as people can die while running a car in a garage, so it goes for running a generator in an enclosed tent. Even if you have sidewalls up, you can never judge the amount of ventilation your generator is getting. Therefore, you should move it outside the tent – and a distance away of approximately 25 feet. This will ensure that the carbon monoxide it puts off will not find its way back into the tent.
Heavy decorations
One of the most important benefits of an industrial size tent is they are strong and sturdy. Their roof is structurally supported and can handle all types of inclement weather and great wind strengths. Choosing to hang heavy decorations from the tent can compromise the structural balance and design of the temporary fabric structure.
When planning your event, keep this in mind and plan your decorations accordingly. If you have a particular piece of décor that you would like to use and you are not sure if it will create an issue, it is best to ask then to assume.
Carnival rides and other activities
There are those days when you have scheduled an outdoor event (say, a kid’s birthday party) and the weather is less than cooperative. If you have rented a tent as a precaution in case there is rough weather or to protect the kids (and parents) from the sun, then you made a very smart choice. However, if you decide to put things such as a bounce house, a dunk tank, or any various carnival rides underneath the tent, then not so much.
These items are not meant to be under anything except the sky. Should something malfunction, it could affect the tent which, in turn, could cause a lot more damage and chaos than you probably intend. In addition, many of these rides run on electricity – thus requiring a generator.
Keep your industrial size tent safe
Depending on the size you rent, your tent can seem huge and able to hold a ton of items. This perception could cause you to have a slight lapse in judgment that could end up costing you a lot more than you bargained for – even life.
Therefore, it is important to remind yourself that, although it may appear to be colossal, it is still a tent. There are still precautions that need to be followed to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
- Most tent rentals are made with flame retardant fabric – make sure to confirm this.
- Have a fire hydrant handy and/or easy (and quick) access to a water source.
- Do not try to move or adjust the tent once it has been erected. Doing so could compromise the entire structure.
- Consider using a light source other than candles. Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye and even these small flames can cause great damage.
- Do not set off fireworks under the tent or near it. Remember – what goes up must come down – and that could mean directly on top of your tent rental.
- When renting your tent, make sure to discuss what weather the tent can and cannot handle with the professionals. This will ensure that, should you encounter any harsh weather on the day of your event, you will know what to do to keep everyone out of harm’s way.
- And lastly, have an evacuation plan. No one ever intends to have an emergency, but they happen. Be prepared and have a plan in place to get everyone to safety.
Industrial size tent rentals can offer the perfect solution to an outdoor venue hotspot. Remember that this great space is a tent and care needs to be taken to keep you and your guests safe!